Done Deal: Tax Reform Passes Congress

December 21, 2017

Ed Mills, Washington Policy Analyst, breaks down the major components of the newly approved tax legislation.

December 20, 2017

The tax reform bill lowering the corporate tax rate and making a number of adjustments to the individual tax code has been approved by Congress and is set to become law. The final tax bill sets a corporate tax rate of 21% starting in 2018, a top individual rate of 37%, the repeal of the corporate AMT, a $1 million phase-out threshold inclusion for the individual AMT, a $750,000 mortgage interest deduction cap through 2025, a 20% deduction on pass-through income, an increase in the estate tax exemption (but not repeal), a $10,000 deduction for state, local, sales or property tax (SALT), 100% deduction of cap-ex for five years, maintaining the deductibility of interest from private activity bonds, and a repeal of the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In this report, we review the effects of the final provisions and cover next steps for Congress as we head into 2018.

Next Steps for Congress

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady (R-TX) anticipates work will continue on tax reform after the bill’s passage with corrections to streamline and clarify provisions expected next year. Congressional Republicans may attempt to work with Democrats on fixes that require 60 votes to pass the Senate, but have also signaled that the budget reconciliation measure used to pass tax reform with a 51 majority vote may be used again on issues where bipartisan compromise cannot be reached. This will usher in a new round of debates about which provisions could see further revision (including a potential SALT fix) as well as discussion related to entitlement reform.

Delay in Bill Signing?

The exact timing of President Trump’s signature on the bill is somewhat in flux, but it will not impact the effective date of any provisions in the bill. Under existing law, Congress must vote to waive a budget rule that would require automatic spending cuts to offset the increase to the federal deficit from this tax bill. By delaying signing the bill until January, these cuts get delayed. It is expected that Congress will act to prevent these automatic cuts, but any deal requires a 60-vote threshold in the Senate.

Government Shutdown Deadline

With tax reform done, Congress turns its attention on an agreement for government funding with a Friday deadline looming to avert a shutdown. Congressional Republicans are seeking a short-term budget resolution which would fund the government through January 19. We anticipate that the short-term extension is likely to focus purely on funding for government agencies and funding disaster relief; leaving funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a fix to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and immigration issues until January.

Corporate Reforms

Lowering the corporate tax rate to 21% and moving to territorial taxation are the key parts of the reforms. The corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) is eliminated. Repatriated earnings will be subject to a 15.5% tax on liquid assets and 8% on other earnings and profits with an eight-year repayment window. Net interest deduction is limited to 30% of adjusted taxable income, and net operating loss deductions are capped at 80% of taxable income. Capital expenditures see full depreciation and are 100% deductible for five years. For small businesses, the capital investment deduction limit under Section 179 is increased to $1 million.

Individual Reforms

Seven tax brackets are retained but lower taxation rates across the board, with a top rate of 37% (starting at $600,000 for joint filers). The standard deduction is nearly doubled to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for joint filers. Personal exemptions are eliminated and SALT deductions are capped at $10,000. Mortgage interest deductions are capped at acquisitions of $750,000. The individual AMT is retained, but narrowed with a raised phase-out threshold at $1 million.

See below the changes to the corporate and individual tax code in the final tax bill.

Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Current Law

Conference Bill

Corporate Tax Rate

35%

21%, starting in 2018

Worldwide vs. Territorial

Worldwide

Territorial

Repatriation of Foreign Earnings

Foreign earnings are taxed at a 35% minus any foreign taxes paid when earnings are repatriated to the United States.

Built up foreign earnings deemed repatriated. Cash and equivalents taxed at 15.5%, other earnings and profit taxed at 8%. Eight year repayment.

Anti-Base Erosion Provisions

U.S. companies are allowed to shift profits to foreign affiliates to reduce U.S. tax burden. This includes transfer pricing.

Establishes a 5% base erosion tax calculation for one year, then goes to 10% through 2025, then 12.5%. Tax 1% higher for banks/registered securities dealers.

Net Interest Deduction

Business interest is generally allowed as a deduction, subject to certain limitations.

Limit net interest deduction to 30% of adjusted taxable income. Uses EBITDA for four years, then switches to EBIT.

Changes to NOL Deduction

Companies are allowed to deduct taxes based upon a net operating loss with a 2-year look back and a carryforward for 20 years.

Repealed.

Child Tax Credit

$1,000 credit, phase out beginning at $110,000 (joint filers).

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Taxpayers are required to compute tax liability on an alternative tax code; if filer would pay more in the alternative, the filer is subject to the alternative minimum tax. Tax rate is 26% or 28% depending on income.

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